Three-dimensional flexible electronics using solidified liquid metal with regulated plasticity

Abstract

Gallium alloy based liquid metals (LMs) have shown great promise for soft and stretchable electronics in virtue of intrinsic uidity and metallic conductivity. However, it has been a challenge by using LM to construct 3D structured circuits which are crucial for building exible electronics with high integration. Hereby, taking advantage of the solid-liquid phase transition and plastic deformation of a Ga-10In LM alloy, we propose a novel strategy to fabricate LM based exible electronic devices, in particular comprised of 3D circuits, without the need to pre-fabricate microchannels. We demonstrate applications including 3D interconnect arches for the integration of a multi-channel LED array, a 3D structured wearable sensor and a multilayer exible circuit board for monitoring of nger movement. The current work provides a facile strategy for constructing LM based exible electronics, which is of particular interest for building highly integrated electronics of hierarchical structure involving complicated 3D circuits.

Pure and Metal‐confining Carbon Nanotubes through Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide in Ca‐based Molten Salts

“…Sn is a cheap and nontoxic metal with a large liquid range (232–2260 °C). Liquid Sn exhibits excellent stretchability and can be used in flexible electronics [30] . CNT encapsulated with liquid metal is of potential use as nanothermometer [31] .…”

Highly Stable Liquid Metal Conductors with Superior Electrical Stability and Tough Interface Bonding for Stretchable Electronics

“…As stretchable electronics are rapidly developing and becoming more complex, the demands for stretchable multilayered electronics are emerging, comprising stretchable electrodes and vertical interconnect access (via) among the upper and lower layers. − Not only a strong interface but also low contact resistance are needed between the electrodes and the vertical access. Our strategy for preparing HSLMC has the potential to meet these requirements simultaneously.…”

Pure and Metal‐confining Carbon Nanotubes through Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide in Ca‐based Molten Salts

“…Liquid Sn exhibits excellent stretchability and can be used in flexible electronics. [30] CNT encapsulated with liquid metal is of potential use as nanothermometer. [31] The reported Ga/In-cored carbon nanothermometers, however, are limited by costly fabrication and long-term toxicity.…”